Portretbuste van Socrates (1666 - 1671) by Bisschop, Jan deRijksmuseum
How to improve your oration abilities by emulating the best
Public speaking is an intimidating task we tend to either love or loathe. But whether you’re terrified of the act or just need some pointers on how to deliver a killer presentation, there’s plenty we can learn from the world’s greatest orators.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can up your game by emulating some of history’s finest speeches.
Tip 1: Humility and honesty like Plato’s “Apology of Socrates”
Plato’s “Apology of Socrates” details the defense statement the famous philosopher gave in the face of moral corruption charges.
Rather than using customary legal terminology, Socrates addresses the court in a conversational tone, openly admitting his lack of legal expertise. Later, he proclaims he is “only wise in that he is aware he knows nothing at all,” and that it is his “duty to expose the ignorance of so-called wise men.”
Socrates may not have won the trial - he was sentenced to death - but his modesty and fearless commitment to the truth did win him a place in the history books.
Portretbuste van Socrates, Jan de Bisschop, 1666/1671 (From the collection of Rijksmuseum)
Tip 2: The passion and preparation of Nelson Mandela’s “I am Prepared to Die”
Few speeches are as passionate and in-depth as Nelson Mandela’s iconic “I am prepared to die.”
Mandela delivered the discourse from the defendant’s dock of Rivonia Trial, in which he and others stood accused of crimes against the state.
But rather than focusing on clearing his name, Mandela went on the offensive by highlighting the injustices of South African society in a fiery three-hour tirade. The speech, which took over three weeks to write, became famous for its closing statement: “...it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
Just goes to show how a little passionate and preparation can elevate your game.
Nelson Mandela addresses a huge crowd from the Monumental Steps (1990) by Craig Golding/Fairfax SyndicationSydney Opera House
Nelson Mandela addresses a huge crowd from the Monumental Steps, Craig Golding/Fairfax Syndication, 1990 (From the collection of Sydney Opera House)
Tip 3: gratitude and positivity like Lou Gehrig’s “Farewell to Baseball Address”
In 1939, baseball legend “Iron Horse” Lou Gehrig retired from the sport after being diagnosed with a terminal disease. His final address was a steadfast lesson in positive thinking, which The New York Times described as “one of the most touching scenes ever witnessed on a ball field."
Despite his abrupt departure and grim future, Gehrig delivers a heartfelt display of gratitude to all those who surround him. He sincerely thanks his fans, team mates, opposition, groundkeepers, parents, wife, and even his mother-in-law, declaring himself “the luckiest man in the world.”
Way to look on the bright side, Lou.
Pride Of The Yankees (1942) by Eliot ElisofonLIFE Photo Collection
Pride Of The Yankees, Eliot Elisofon, 1942 (From the collection of LIFE Photo Collection)
Tip 4: The pacifist approach of Mahatma Gandhi’s “Quit India”</blockuote>
After a long history of foreign exploitation, India was well and truly ready for independence by the time World War II came around. And, upon being forced to join the war effort by the British, local activist Mahatma Gandhi took advantage of brewing animosity.
But rather than inflaming tensions through fiery rhetoric, Gandhi encouraged nonviolent civil disobedience through his famous “do or die” mantra. The speech inspired the pacifist “Quit India Movement,” which paved the way for a successful independence campaign after the war.
Through the landmark speech, Ghandi has shown that not even revolutions need resort to violence.
Mahatma Gandhi (1940-01-01) by Hulton ArchiveGetty Images
Mahatma Gandhi, Hulton Archive, 1940-01-01 (From the collection of Getty Images)
Tip 5: The poetic, inspirational prose of Winston Churchill’s “Their Finest Hour”
In 1940, Britain was in its darkest hour. France had fallen, bombing raids on London were beginning, and the United States appeared to have no intention of entering the fray.
Yet British Prime Minister Winston Churchill still managed to maintain morale through a masterfully crafted address to the nation.
Churchill peppered numerous snippets of morale-boosting advice throughout the 36-minute presentation, with each line seemingly more inspiring and poetic than the next. But it was his carefully worded closing statement that really motivated the troops: “...if the British Empire… lasts for a thousand years, men will still say, 'This was their finest hour.'"
Winston Churchill (1951) by Alfred EisenstaedtLIFE Photo Collection
Winston Churchill, Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1951 (From the collection of LIFE Photo Collection)
Tip 6: The no-nonsense approach of Vaclav Havel’s "New Year’s Day Address"
After decades honing his skills as a writer and dissident, Vaclav Havel came to learn a thing or two about political discourse. And never were his talents so proudly on display as during his 1990 New Year’s Day Address.
Czechoslovakia had just entered a new era of liberty after oppressive communist rule, so Havel decided to “tell it how it is” by openly admitting to his country’s countless shortcomings.
Voters took to Havel’s no-nonsense approach, electing him to serve for several consecutive terms.
Václav Havel Ján Langoš Prize, DOX Gallery (2011-12-10) by Ondřej NěmecKnihovna Vaclava Havla (Vaclav Havel Library)
Václav Havel Ján Langoš Prize, DOX Gallery, Ondřej Němec, 2011-12-10 (From the collection of Knihovna Vaclava Havla (Vaclav Havel Library))
Regardless of the type of public speaking you intend to undertake, learning a little about the world’s greatest orators can help you improve your game. Remember, adding one or more of the above attributes into your own work could make the difference between a mediocre presentation and a brilliant one.
